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Answers to Top E-filing Questions

Are all taxpayers who file electronically required to pay any balance due electronically?

No. Taxpayers who prefer to pay by check or money order should file Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher.

What if I filed last year’s return using an ITIN (IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)?

If the taxpayer had an ITIN (IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) when they filed their 2014 tax return, but now have an SSN to file their 2015 tax return, they should use 0 (zero) as the prior year AGI amount.

What AGI amount should I use to e-file if I am a first time filer or had adjusted gross income of zero last year?

If you have never filed before or you did not file a 2014 tax return, select I am a first-time filer or I did NOT file a 2014 tax return on the screen titled E-Filing - Prior Year Information. If you are married filing jointly and only one spouse filed a 2014 return, you should enter the prior year AGI for that spouse and zero (0) for the spouse who has not filed before.

If your 2014 AGI was zero, you should use 0 (zero) as your prior year AGI when e-filing.

What AGI amount should I use to file jointly this year if I have a different spouse than last year?

Use the AGI amount or PIN from the joint return filed with the ex-spouse.

What AGI amount should I use when my spouse earned all the wages?

Both taxpayers on the joint return will use the total AGI amount from the originally filed return. The AGI amount should not be divided between the primary and the spouse.

Can the taxpayer electronically file a joint return if the spouse is unable to sign because he or she is serving in a combat zone, or a qualified hazardous duty area, and the taxpayer does not have a power of attorney or other statement?

If your spouse is unable to sign the return because he or she is serving in a combat zone (such as the Persian Gulf Area, Yugoslavia, or Afghanistan), and you do not have a power of attorney or other statement, you can sign for your spouse. Attach a signed statement to your return that explains that your spouse is serving in a combat zone. For more information on special tax rules for persons who are serving in a combat zone, or who are in missing status as a result of serving in a combat zone, see IRS Publication 3Armed Forces' Tax Guide.

What should I do if my return is rejected and the IRS says it’s because my AGI or PIN doesn’t match last year’s return?